KITCHEN GARDEN PROJECT :

The W.E. Nature Society undertook a Kitchen Garden Project as part of its commitment to reducing the college's carbon footprint and promoting local food production. A designated plot of land was carefully chosen for this. The project was inaugurated by the Acting Teacher-in-Charge, Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala, who marked the beginning of this initiative by sowing the first seeds. Following this, the Staff Advisors of the W.E. Nature Society, along with the society and Greenovation Club heads, contributed to the planting process under the gardener’s guidance. Several local crops, including pumpkin, spinach, and beans, were selected as the summer crops, while cabbage, tomatoes, chillies, coriander, and brinjal were the chosen winter crops. This initiative has transformed a small patch of land into a productive and sustainable space, showcasing the effective use of natural resources and reinforcing the importance of community efforts in promoting environmental responsibility.

QR CODES :

In June 2024, the project of attaching laminated QR codes to the trees in the Loreto College campus was initiated by the W.E. Nature Society. The QR codes are linked to information regarding the tree, such as its height, carbon sequestration, cultural significance, and medicinal value. Several volunteers from the society collaborated with the staff advisors in preparing the documents containing all the information. Seventeen trees on the campus have been labeled with QR codes so far. Through this initiative, the society aims to enhance the knowledge of the students and staff of the college about their surroundings in an interactive and fun way. Activities have been organised with the QR codes for students to enhance their knowledge.

CANOPY QUEST :

The W.E. Nature Society hosted the Campus Canopy Quest on September 23, 2024, an event dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The programme began with an educational walk for students from Rainbow School, who explored the diverse trees and plant species on the college campus using the QR codes. This activity provided an opportunity to learn about the ecological significance of the flora and its role in sustainability. Interactive discussions further enhanced the students’ understanding of environmental conservation. The event continued with the screening of short videos created by Loreto College students, focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These videos showcased innovative approaches and thoughtful perspectives on addressing global environmental challenges. The participation of teachers added immense value to the event, making it an enriching and impactful experience for all involved. Through this initiative, the W.E. Nature Society emphasised the importance of collective efforts in promoting sustainability and fostering a deeper connection with nature.

FIELD VISIT TO TARUMITRA :

A group of 46 students from Loreto College, Kolkata participated in the Monsoon Camp organised by the W.E. Nature Society and hosted by Tarumitra in Patna from July 26 to 28, 2024. Tarumitra, an internationally recognised NGO that has received Special Consultative Status from the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, provided an enriching platform for environmental education and conservation. The camp began with a warm welcome from Ms. Devopriya Dutta, Tarumitra Coordinator. On the first day, students visited St. Xavier’s College of Management & Technology, engaging in a plantation drive and exchanging ideas with the college students. The day continued with a tour of the verdant Tarumitra campus and a visit to a nearby church. The second day featured a visit to Patna Women’s College, where Loreto College students delivered an insightful presentation on the monsoon in West Bengal and environmental challenges. Patna Women’s College reciprocated with engaging presentations, cultural performances, and a quiz. The day concluded with a plantation activity, a visit to the Bihar Museum, and an excursion to the Ganga Marine Drive. On World Nature Conservation Day, the students presented conservation methods, participated in a nature walk, and attended demonstrations on medicinal plants. The camp fostered environmental awareness, teamwork, and lasting friendships, leaving a profound and memorable impact on all participants.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION :

The W.E. Nature Society, in collaboration with the Greenovation Club, the NSS Unit of Loreto College, and Tarumitra, Patna, organised a two-day workshop on April 18 and 19, 2024, to celebrate Earth Day week. This landmark event, the first of its kind in the Eastern region, focused on environmental education and sustainable practices. The first day was dedicated to the Semester VI students of Loreto College. The inaugural ceremony was led by the Youth Representative of Tarumitra and the heads of the W.E. Nature Society and involved the planting of seeds in pots. The session began with a documentary highlighting environmental challenges and Tarumitra’s initiatives, followed by a two-hour interactive workshop. Activities such as the crafting of bird feeders and eco-friendly rangolis encouraged active participation and environmental stewardship. On the second day, students from eight schools of the city, with 15 participants from each school, joined to create bird nests with eco-friendly materials and craft seed bombs. The event concluded with a workshop for non-teaching staff, focusing on simple, sustainable practices. This enriching workshop fostered environmental awareness through creativity and hands-on activities, leaving a lasting impact on participants. It successfully empowered attendees to embrace sustainable living and contribute to a greener future.

GREEN PLEDGE :

The W.E. Nature Society invited the Semester IV and Semester VI students of Loreto College on April 22, 2024 to take a Green Pledge to foster within the student community a sense of commitment to environmental sustainability issues. All pledge participants were also encouraged to take individual pledges on attainable environmental goals and upload them on the e-platform, Padlet.

RECYCLE PROJECT :

On June 6, 2024, the W.E. Nature Society collaborated with an NGO, Write from the HeART, in a small but significant step towards environmental preservation through sustainable practices. This collaborative project aims to combat paper waste by repurposing unused, lightly used, or discarded paper into functional notebooks. Both students and staff contributed to this project by collecting papers—whether printed on one side, cancelled, or otherwise deemed unnecessary—for upcycling and recycling of paper, thereby encouraging people to embrace sustainability in their everyday lives. The notebooks produced under this initiative come in various shapes and sizes. This allows for minimal wastage of paper and promotes resource conservation. The notebooks are priced at a minimal cost, ensuring affordability while sustaining operations. The initiative has received positive support, uplifting community spirits and spreading awareness. Notably, 10 kilograms of paper waste contributed to the project were recycled to produce 50 notebooks, demonstrating the tangible impact of collective efforts.

GREEN LENS: VIDEOGRAPHY COMPETITION

The W.E. Nature Society hosted a dynamic interdepartmental videography competition titled "Green Lens" on September 23, 2024. The event aimed to promote environmental awareness in alignment with critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Themed "Making the case for awareness and goals," the competition encouraged students to express their creativity through videography while addressing global environmental challenges. Participants showcased short films highlighting pressing environmental issues, potential solutions, and community involvement to achieve sustainability. The event was marked by enthusiasm, with engaging visuals, thoughtful narratives, and impactful storytelling. Each team’s presentation emphasised the need for collective action and individual responsibility. The competition not only fostered teamwork and creativity among students but also underscored the importance of aligning academic initiatives with global sustainability goals. Overall, Green Lens served as a powerful platform for future change makers, inspiring all attendees to actively contribute towards a greener, healthier planet.